What Helped Me
Gentle Support for Recovery and Reflection
This tool helps children reflect on what supported them — emotionally, physically, or relationally. It’s designed to honour recovery, insight, and connection, especially when words are hard to find.
Click to choose what helped you today…
Questions You Might Have
These gentle answers explain how to use the What Helped Me toolkit with care, clarity, and emotional safety. They’re here to support families, educators, and professionals in understanding regulation, connection, and child‑led communication — one calm moment at a time.
🌿 What is the purpose of the What Helped Me toolkit?
This toolkit helps children notice what supported their regulation after a tricky moment.
It gives them a calm, low‑demand way to show what helped — without needing to talk, explain, or revisit the moment.
It also helps adults understand the child’s sensory, emotional, and social needs so they can respond with care, not correction.
⏳ When should I use this tool?
You can use it after overwhelm, during transitions, or as part of a daily check‑in.
It works beautifully when a child is settling, recovering, or reconnecting with themselves.
There is no “right time” — it’s simply there when the child is ready.
🫧 Does the child need to talk to use this tool?
No.
The toolkit is designed to be speech‑optional.
Children can point, choose, tap, or simply sit with the cards.
Silence is welcome.
The goal is to honour their communication style, not require verbal explanations.
🪶 How do I introduce the cards without adding pressure?
Offer the cards gently and let the child lead.
You might say, “You can choose one if you want,” or simply place them nearby.
Avoid questions like “Why did you choose that?” — the card itself is the communication.
🔍 What do the interpretations mean?
Each interpretation offers a possible meaning behind the child’s choice.
They are not assumptions or diagnoses — just gentle starting points to help adults respond supportively.
The child’s experience always comes first.
🤲 How should I respond when a child chooses a card?
Respond with presence, not analysis.
If they choose Quiet, reduce noise.
If they choose Sit Close, offer proximity without pressure.
If they choose Alone, honour their space.
The goal is to meet the need, not question it.
🌈 Can I use this tool with neurodivergent children?
Yes — it was created with autistic and ADHD children in mind.
The cards support sensory needs, emotional regulation, and non‑verbal communication.
They are also helpful for any child who benefits from visual, gentle, low‑demand tools.
🏫 Can this tool be used in schools, clinics, or therapy settings?
Absolutely.
It works well in classrooms, therapy rooms, waiting areas, and home environments.
It supports co‑regulation, emotional literacy, and child‑led communication across settings.
🧩 What if a child chooses multiple cards?
That’s completely valid.
Regulation is layered — a child may need quiet and movement, or closeness and space.
Multiple choices simply show a fuller picture of what helped.
🤝 How does this toolkit support co‑regulation?
Many cards reflect a need for presence, proximity, or gentle connection.
Adults can support co‑regulation by offering calm, predictable, non‑intrusive presence.
The toolkit helps adults recognise when connection — not conversation — is what the child needs.
You might also like…
• What I Need Toolkit
Visual tools that help children share needs, preferences, and boundaries — with or without words.
• How I Feel Toolkit
Emotion‑friendly supports that help children recognise, name, and express feelings safely.
• Little Boosts Toolkit
Small, encouraging tools that offer reassurance, confidence, and gentle motivation.